Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For New Zealand traders seeking a reliable forex broker, the choice between Exness and IG is a critical decision that can impact trading costs, platform experience, and overall profitability. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure environment for Kiwis. However, they cater to different trading styles and preferences. Exness, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, excels in low spreads, flexible deposit options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and high leverage for retail traders. IG, rated 4.2/5, is a well-established global brand offering a broader range of instruments, including CFDs on shares, indices, and commodities, along with advanced research tools. This comparison is tailored specifically for New Zealand traders, considering local payment methods, regulatory oversight, and the unique needs of the local trading community. Whether you are a scalper, swing trader, or long-term investor, understanding the differences between these two brokers will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your financial goals.
| Instrument | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | IG |
When comparing trading costs for New Zealand traders, Exness holds a clear advantage with its ultra-low spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on its Zero account and 0.3 pips on the Standard account for major forex pairs like EUR/USD. In contrast, IG's spreads begin at around 0.6 pips for the same pairs, which can add up significantly for high-volume traders. For example, a trader executing 100 lots per month on EUR/USD would save approximately $300 in spread costs with Exness. Additionally, Exness charges no commission on its Standard account, while IG applies a small commission on certain instruments. This cost efficiency makes Exness particularly attractive for New Zealand scalpers and day traders who prioritize minimal trading expenses.
| Account Type | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:30 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Exness |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Exness |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Exness |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Exness and IG offer robust trading platforms that cater to New Zealand traders. Exness provides the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), along with its proprietary web and mobile platforms, all optimized for fast execution and advanced charting. IG offers its own web-based platform, which is highly intuitive and includes integrated news feeds and analysis tools, as well as MT4 for forex traders. For New Zealand traders who value flexibility and automation, Exness's support for Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4/MT5 is a major plus. IG's platform, on the other hand, excels in providing a comprehensive trading experience with access to over 17,000 markets, including shares and ETFs, which may appeal to diversified investors.
| Factor | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Exness |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Exness boasts an average execution speed of under 100 milliseconds, with no requotes on most accounts, making it ideal for New Zealand scalpers and high-frequency traders. IG offers reliable execution with speeds around 200 milliseconds, but may experience slippage during volatile markets. For Kiwis trading during the Asia-Pacific session, Exness's execution quality ensures minimal latency and better fills, which can directly impact profitability.
| Safety Factor | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Exness and IG are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring that New Zealand traders operate within a framework of strict oversight and consumer protection. This means that client funds are held in segregated accounts, and brokers must adhere to capital adequacy requirements. Exness is also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), while IG is regulated by the FCA and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). For New Zealand traders, this multi-jurisdictional regulation provides an extra layer of security, as both brokers are subject to rigorous audits and compliance standards. However, IG's longer track record (since 1974) may offer additional peace of mind for risk-averse traders.
| Payment Method | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days | 1 to 5 business days |
For New Zealand traders, deposit and withdrawal methods are a crucial factor. Exness offers a wide range of options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with most deposits processed instantly and no fees charged by the broker. This flexibility allows Kiwis to fund their accounts using traditional banking or modern crypto methods. IG primarily supports Bank Transfer and credit/debit cards, with limited e-wallet options. Withdrawals at Exness are also fast, typically processed within 24 hours, while IG may take 1-3 business days. The availability of USDT TRC20 at Exness is a standout feature for New Zealand traders who prefer cryptocurrency transactions, as it provides near-instant settlement and low fees. Overall, Exness offers more convenience and speed for Kiwis managing their funds.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Exness offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders, which are available on most account types including Standard and Zero accounts. These accounts comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying interest on overnight positions, making them suitable for traders who require ethical trading practices. IG does not offer Islamic accounts, meaning Kiwis who need swap-free trading must choose Exness. This makes Exness the only viable option among the two for New Zealand's Muslim community, ensuring they can trade without compromising their religious beliefs.
| Support Feature | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Exness |
Exness provides 24/7 customer support in multiple languages, including English, with a dedicated team for New Zealand traders via live chat, email, and phone. IG also offers 24/5 support with a local New Zealand phone number, but its weekend availability is limited. For Kiwis who trade outside standard hours, Exness's round-the-clock support is a significant advantage, especially for issues related to deposits or withdrawals.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Exness |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Exness |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
| Resource | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Choose Exness if you...
Choose IG if you...
For New Zealand traders, the choice between Exness and IG ultimately depends on individual priorities. Exness stands out with its lower spreads, superior deposit options (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20), and swap-free accounts, making it ideal for cost-conscious and Islamic traders. IG offers a more diversified product range and a longer track record, but its higher costs and limited payment methods may deter active traders. Given Exness's higher overall rating (4.8 vs 4.2) and its alignment with local needs—such as regulation by the local financial regulator and fast NZD withdrawals—it is the recommended broker for most New Zealand retail traders. However, IG remains a solid choice for those who prioritize market variety and research.